Chapter 143: She Is a Victim, Yet She Is Also a Perpetrator

When Lin You and Xia Yan reached the regimental headquarters, Zhuang Lili, suffering from extreme exhaustion and prolonged hunger, had already fainted and been taken to the infirmary.

The two hurried to the infirmary without a moment's rest. When they saw Zhuang Lili again, her face and arms were covered in bruises.

"How are you feeling now?" Xia Yan asked with concern.

"If you want to laugh, just do it. Don't put on this act of caring for me."

"Hey, you're the one who wanted to see me. Why the tone? Do you think I’m happy to be here? Is it not more comfortable to be tucked in bed on a cold night like this?" Xia Yan was so annoyed by Zhuang Lili’s words that she laughed. She couldn't believe this woman—she had offered a kind greeting only to be snapped at in return.

"If there’s nothing else, I’m going home to sleep." Xia Yan made a move to pull Lin You toward the door. She was genuinely exhausted from being out in the middle of the night. She would much rather be at home in her man's arms than standing here enduring Zhuang Lili’s attitude.

"Wait." Zhuang Lili reached out and grabbed Xia Yan. Her voice was much weaker than before, and tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes.

Xia Yan patted Lin You. "You go outside and wait for me. I’m going to talk to her for a while."

Lin You stood his ground, hesitating. He was worried about Xia Yan. Sensing his concern, Xia Yan squeezed his hand and said softly, "Don't worry, it's fine."

These intimate gestures were not lost on Zhuang Lili. In that moment, she realized how ridiculous she had been, thinking that by trusting Huang Qiang, she could have Lin You.

Lin You nodded and cast a warning glance at Zhuang Lili before walking out. However, when he closed the door, he deliberately left a crack so he could keep an eye on every move inside the ward. Even though Zhuang Lili was lying in a hospital bed, he still didn't trust her.

"I really envy you two." As soon as Xia Yan sat down, Zhuang Lili couldn't wait to pour out her heart.

"You could have it too."

"Me? It's too late. Who would want to marry a woman like me?"

When Xia Yan had arrived at the hospital, the doctor had briefed her on Zhuang Lili’s condition. In this era, having been assaulted, it would be very difficult for her to marry into a good family later; at best, she might find someone who was previously married or someone who couldn't otherwise find a wife.

Zhuang Lili smiled bitterly. "But this is all my own doing."

Xia Yan looked at her. Zhuang Lili was tougher and calmer than she had expected—at least, in the television dramas she had watched, no girl had ever remained this composed after such an ordeal.

"Xia Yan, I'm sorry."

"Hmm?" Xia Yan hadn't expected the apology to come so quickly; she thought they would have to bicker for a while longer.

"Actually, I've been thinking about this. From beginning to end, you were a victim too. It's just that you were too naive to believe everything Huang Qiang said."

"Is that really what you think?"

"What else? But, while you were naive, you had your clever moments. That time at school, you nearly ruined my reputation."

Xia Yan smiled, picked up an orange from the bedside table, and began to peel it. She carefully removed the white pith before offering a segment to Zhuang Lili. Zhuang Lili was stunned, not expecting Xia Yan to peel an orange for her.

Xia Yan smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's not poisoned."

"No, I'm just surprised... I didn't think a young lady from the An family like you would peel an orange for me." Zhuang Lili opened her mouth and took the segment.

"Young ladies are human too." Xia Yan peeled a segment for herself and ate it.

The two shared a smile. Xia Yan took Zhuang Lili’s hand. "It’s over now. Don't dwell on it. Huang Qiang will receive the punishment he deserves."

At these simple words, Zhuang Lili lost control of her emotions. She sat up, hugged Xia Yan, and wept bitterly. The last shred of her "toughness" completely collapsed.

Hearing the crying, Lin You immediately rushed in from outside, but Xia Yan raised a hand to signal that she was fine, so he stepped back out. Zhuang Lili kept muttering apologies. By the time Xia Yan left the ward, Zhuang Lili had fallen asleep.

"Let's go. Let's go home."

"What... what do you intend to do about her?" Lin You looked toward the ward.

"I... let’s just leave it at that." Xia Yan admitted that her sense of compassion was getting the better of her. "She is a victim, too..."

"But she hurt you! Yan-yan, she is an adult; she must be held accountable for her actions. She conspired with Huang Qiang to kidnap you, and there were even other plans!" Lin You cut her off. In his eyes, while Zhuang Lili was pitiable, her actions were equally hateful. If he hadn't arrived in time, there was no telling what harm might have come to Xia Yan.

Xia Yan was silent for a long while. "Then let's do it your way."

The next morning, Zhuang Lili was taken away by the public security bureau. Xia Yan didn't hear the news until she returned home that evening. She tossed and turned all night, falling asleep only in the early hours.

As for the mastermind, Huang Qiang, he had already fled to the town. He hid here and there, nervous at the slightest disturbance. Wearing a hat and bundled up tightly, he went to the train station and bought a ticket home.

"Once I'm back in my hometown, I should be safe." Looking at the ticket for the following evening, Huang Qiang felt a sense of relief.

Walking down the street, the scent of meat wafted toward him. Having not eaten properly for two days, he couldn't help but swallow hard. Glancing at the state-run restaurant nearby and feeling the money in his pocket, he thought, "It should be fine to have a meal."

Huang Qiang entered the restaurant and found a seat in the furthest corner.

"Hello, what would you like?" A waiter approached with a menu.

Huang Qiang looked around warily. "Bring me some sour and spicy cabbage, a plate of beef, and a bottle of beer."

"Beer?" The waiter gave him a second look; in winter, most people drank spirits, and it had been a long time since anyone ordered beer.

"Yes, beer. Bring it quickly. And also, bring me a bowl of noodles."

"Right." The waiter took the order to the counter. Soon, the food was served, and Huang Qiang wolfed it down, not leaving even a drop of sauce.

Just as Huang Qiang called for the waiter to settle the bill, two men in police uniforms walked in. They headed straight for the service counter, produced a photo of Huang Qiang, and asked a few brief questions.

"Here is the money." Huang Qiang pulled cash from his pocket and handed it to the waiter. Before the waiter could give him his change, he bolted out the door.

"Comrade, you haven't taken your change!" The waiter chased after him, but Huang Qiang was already gone.

"What a strange man, not even wanting his money back..."